The Kaduna State Enterprises Development Agency (KADEDA) has commenced the disbursement of N810 million in empowerment funds to 4,050 trained artisans in the state.

The agency’s managing director and chief executive officer, Iliya Timbuark, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Kaduna.

MrTimbuark said the beneficiaries were trained and certified at the Kaduna State Institute of Vocational Training and Skills Development.

He said the training was conducted across the institute’s three campuses, equipping participants with skills in various trades.

According to him, Governor Uba Sani approved N810 million as start-up capital for the graduates after they successfully completed their training.

He said each of the 4,050 beneficiaries would receive a direct cash grant of N200,000 to establish or expand their businesses.

Mr Timbuark said the financial support was designed to bridge the gap between skills acquisition and productive economic activities.

He said the intervention would enable beneficiaries to immediately establish enterprises and contribute to employment and economic development.

The managing director said the disbursement was being conducted through a secure digital payment system to ensure transparency and accountability.

He added that the system would guarantee the direct delivery of funds to beneficiaries while eliminating unnecessary bottlenecks and interference.

Mr Timbuark said the initiative reflected Sani’s commitment to youth empowerment, economic revitalisation and strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises.

He said KADEDA remained committed to supporting nano, micro, small and medium enterprises across Kaduna State.

According to him, the agency was proud to facilitate the transition of 4,050 skilled individuals into potential business owners and employers of labour.

He said the initiative represented the fulfilment of the governor’s promise to support beneficiaries from skills acquisition to enterprise development.

(NAN)